15 year old tyres

[Texpis]

Hi All
I think I know the answer to this question but hear goes 15 years ago I refurbished an MGB and fitted new tyres I then sold it. I have just bought it back it’s sat in a garage for most of the time it’s been away (did 1500 miles). The tyres are like new no cracking or anything, I know tyres aren’t expensive but just seems a waste. Would there me visible signs of the rubber deteriorating?

[underwhelmist]

Even if there’s no cracking, the rubber hardens over time doesn’t it? I’d change them.

[Dogwatch]

I’ve just had an MoT advisory on a low mileage set of tyres, about 5 years old or so. “They’re perishing”.

Ho hum. Looks like wallet time come the Autumn.

[rjfp1962]

As mentioned in earlier post, the tyres will harden over the years and despite looking OK, they'll be well past their "Use By Date", therefore quite unsafe.. Replace...!

[Texpis]

Yep thought that would be the answer replace it is

[E-bmw]

It has sat in a garage as in low/no UV light to degrade the rubber, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[tapkaJohnD]

Take it to a track day?
Give it some stick and see how the tyres behave, both grip and deterioration by cracking the surface.
Where a sudden failurw won't be catastrophic.
Be interesting to measure the tread temperature too. If the rubber has hardened, then you might expect the tread to heat up more, but you would need eperience to assess what is excessive.

John

[mikeyr]

tapkaJohnD said:

Take it to a track day?

Where a sudden failurw won't be catastrophic.

Except to your wallet, your health or your car

[Lincsls1]

E-bmw said:

It has sat in a garage as in low/no UV light to degrade the rubber, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I totally agree, thoroughly inspect and if they look well and the car drives ok, use them. Common sense.
Consider the type of driving you plan on doing, is it a summer only, fine weather use, pootling around car?
Or will you be using in all weathers and pushing its limits?
The tyres you fitted 15 years ago will be much better than what came from the factory even now.

[kambites]

Depends on how risk averse you are really. Tyres degrade very little if kept in the dark but they do still slowly harden.

Given that they look immaculate, I wouldn't be too concerned about structural failure, the question will mostly be how much grip they have now which you can tell by driving it. If it's been sitting unmoving on its tyres (as opposed to axle stands or whatever) you may find they're not round anymore and you get weird vibrations.

Edited by kambites on Monday 12th July 15:56

[Far Cough]

The first time it rains and your wondering why you are pointing the wrong way having come off a roundabout, you will be saying to yourself , " should have put new tyres on" !!!

[E-bmw]

Far Cough said:

The first time it rains and your wondering why you are pointing the wrong way having come off a roundabout, you will be saying to yourself , " should have put new tyres on" !!!

But then that is also true of the guy who puts the newest bestest tyres in the world on all 4 corners & forgets 100yds down the road when he "boots it" at the first corner.

[Texpis]

Well I had a good look at each tyre the rear were Toyo and looked brand new. The front were a no make and had cracking, I’ve replaced the front and I’m going to leave the backs on see how it goes. It’s a V8 MGB so does get some enthusiastic driving but does not go out in the rain.
Thanks for the advice
Mick